Chelsea 4 Stoke City 2

Stoke 3 Arsenal 2

STOKE CITY’S FA Cup heroes Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan have helped the Potteries club make a mockery of their long-ball label this season — now the Ireland duo are aiming to carry their domestic form onto the international stage.

IF EVER one player summed up the rugged physicality and unflinching commitment which have marked Stoke’s astonishing first season in the Premier League, James Beattie is it.

STOKE may not be winning many friends this season, but their happy habit of winning points could yet prolong their stay at this exalted level.